Wat Nantaram is located in the municipal market area of Chiang Kham. The exact date of its original construction is unknown. It serves as the community temple for the Tai Yai (Shan) people. Originally, it was called Wat Jong Kha because its roof was thatched with kha grass (Jong means temple in the Tai Yai language). The Tai Yai Buddhists were the founders, and Phor Mong Pho Khin donated more than 3 rai of land for the construction. Phor Thao Ubon presided over the building until its completion, establishing it as an aram or monastic residence. Locals commonly referred to it as Wat Jong Nuea (Northern Temple) because it is situated north of Chiang Kham Municipality.

The wooden vihara was first built in 1924 CE (2467 BE). Mae Nang Jam Hoeng later donated an additional 5 rai, 1 ngarn, and 72 square wah to expand the temple area, bringing the total to 8 rai, 1 ngarn, and 72 square wah.

The current vihara was built through the generosity of Phor Thao Nanta (Oo) Wong-anan, a devout and wealthy Tai Yai kahabodee. He donated funds to renovate the monastic quarters and sponsor the construction of a new all-wooden vihara to replace the thatched-roof hall. Tai Yai craftsmen were hired to design and build the vihara in the traditional Tai Yai style, with a tiered gable roof, wooden shingles, and a ceiling adorned with elaborate colored glass mosaics. All 68 wooden pillars were lacquered and gilded with gold leaf. Construction cost approximately 45,000 Baht.

The principal Buddha image, of unknown age, is believed to have been brought from Myanmar (Burma). Phor Thao Nanta hired about 80 villagers to carry it from Wat Jong Mae Tha, an abandoned temple in the original Tai Yai community of Pong District (now the Don Kaew Village Health Station in Oi Subdistrict, Pong District). The statue is in the Māra Vijaya (Subduing Māra) style, carved from a single piece of golden teakwood, lacquered and gilded, and adorned in the Tai Yai style. Its lap width_ is 51 inches, and it stands 9 sok (~4.5 meters) high from base to top of the hair spire, enshrined on a wooden base with a screen behind, decorated with colored glass, intricate wood carvings, and motifs of Kruea Thao (vines), devas, and Himmaphan creatures.

The first major temple celebration and renovation took nearly 10 years. In 1934 CE (2477 BE), Phor Thao Nanta presided over a grand 15-day celebration from March 1–15. In addition to merit-making and festivities, public kitchens were set up to distribute offerings to beggars and the poor, marking the temple’s first large-scale charitable event. The temple was then renamed Wat Nantaram in honor of Phor Thao Nanta (Oo) and the Wong-anan family, recognizing his dedication to Buddhism, strict observance of Ubosot precepts, and generous sponsorship of renovations and the new vihara. He was honored as Phor Jong Ta-Ka Nanta, meaning the temple builder and diligent Buddhist practitioner.

Important Ancient Structures and Artifacts

1. Wooden Vihara – Tai Yai style, built in 1925 CE (2468 BE)

2. Principal Buddha Image – Māra Vijaya style, Tai Yai teak wood carving, enshrined 1933 CE (2476 BE)

3. Tai Yai Style Chedi – Octagonal brick-and-mortar, 9 sok high, built 1957 CE (2500 BE)

4. Phra Ubosot (Ordination Hall) – Tai Yai style, brick-and-mortar, built 1972 CE (2515 BE)

5. Flower Pollen Buddha Image – Made from fragrant woods from Taunggyi, Myanmar, mixed with lacquer, burned rice straw ash, and earth, then gilded, donated by Phor Thao Pha-Ka Hua-on and Mae Thao Pong Sumarn Charoen

6. Phra Jao Saen Sae – Bronze Buddha from Chiang Saen period, Māra Vijaya style, lap width_ 9 inches, height_ 24 inches, donated by Mae Thao Bua

7. White Stone (White Jade) Buddha Image – Burmese style, lap width_ 14 inches, height_ 18 inches, donated by Mae Kham La Warakul

Private Car:

• Drive along the main roads of Chiang Kham to the Huai Yuan Municipality Market.

Public Transport:

• Take a local minibus or songthaew from Chiang Kham town, then walk a short distance.

Motorbike/Scooter:

• Drive directly along the main roads and park near the temple.

Taxi:

• From Chiang Kham town center, about 10–15 minutes.

• Admire the teak wood hall, especially the stained-glass ceiling and detailed wood carvings.

• Pay respects to the Cupid sculptures behind the main Buddha for love blessings.

• Visit the Ho U Teng Mong museum to learn about Tai Yai culture and history.

Admission Fee:

• Free of charge

Opening Hours:

• Open daily, approximately 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM